News Summary
The U.S. Open features a unique culinary trend this year with caviar-topped chicken nuggets from Coqodaq, a popular fried chicken and Champagne restaurant. The restaurant’s viral status has led to long waitlists, as patrons line up to experience its upscale offerings. The standout dish includes six chicken nuggets paired with a 30-gram tin of Petrossian caviar for $100, while standard offerings remain in high demand. Despite mixed reviews from attendees, Coqodaq’s innovative approach is reshaping food offerings at sporting events and drawing attention to gourmet comfort food.
New York – The U.S. Open is showcasing an unusual culinary trend this year with caviar-topped chicken nuggets from the popular fried chicken and Champagne restaurant, Coqodaq. The restaurant has gained viral status and is experiencing overwhelming demand, with patrons facing long waitlists to enjoy its upscale chicken offerings. Attendees of the U.S. Open can find Coqodaq’s stand at the outdoor Food Village, where they can indulge in unique menu items, including a standout off-menu option featuring six chicken nuggets paired with a 30-gram tin of Petrossian caviar for $100.
The standard offerings at Coqodaq include six chicken nuggets with three sauces, priced at $26, and have been a hit with fans. In fact, chicken sandwiches at the stand sold out by midday, a clear indication of the high demand for Coqodaq’s food. James Lee, the restaurant’s R&D chef, estimated that approximately 10-15% of nugget orders came with added caviar, equating to over 100 caviar orders each day during the event.
The U.S. Open, which runs until September 7, is expected to attract similar attendance as last year, surpassing one million visitors. Most fans pay a premium for tickets, some ranging from $150 to a staggering $23,000 for luxury experiences. High prices for food options, such as caviar nuggets, have become commonplace at the U.S. Open, mirroring wider trends in high-end dining available at the venue, including the exclusive Aces restaurant, accessible primarily to premium ticket holders.
Responses from attendees regarding the caviar-topped chicken nuggets have been mixed. While some diners appreciated the novelty of the dish, others expressed disappointment, labeling it only as “OK.” Despite this, some patrons like Marjorie Graaven enjoyed the unique culinary experience, indicating that gourmet offerings are becoming popular amongst event-goers.
Coqodaq was inaugurated in January 2024 by the creators of the Michelin-starred Koren Steakhouse Cote. With a vision to elevate fried chicken to gourmet status, the restaurant places a strong emphasis on high-quality ingredients and unique flavor profiles. Simon Kim, the founder, aimed to develop a premium fried chicken experience at a price point that remains accessible, supportively including items in the menu that appeal to a variety of palates, such as the $38 Bucket List.
The culinary scene at Coqodaq reflects a blend of American and Korean culinary traditions, resonating well with New Yorkers and visitors alike. The surge of popularity has primarily been driven by social media buzz, influenced by enthusiastic reviews from food enthusiasts and influencers alike. Diners can find themselves waiting up to 1,500 people in line to secure a spot at the restaurant during late-night hours, further underscoring the establishment’s success and appeal.
The trend of upscale caviar dishes in New York restaurants has gained momentum recently, attributed to decreasing wholesale prices for caviar, making it more accessible to a broader audience. As diners explore more adventurous and luxurious food experiences, Coqodaq continues to stand out as a pioneer in reimagining traditional comfort food with a high-end twist.
As the U.S. Open progresses, Coqodaq’s caviar-topped chicken nuggets signify both the growing appetite for gourmet takes on classic fare and the evolving landscape of food offerings at sports events, ensuring that premium dining experiences are becoming an integral part of the fan experience.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Bloomberg: U.S. Open Brings $100 Coqodaq Chicken Nuggets to New York
- New York Post: U.S. Open Fans Divided on $100 Caviar-Topped Chicken Nuggets
- Forbes: Coqodaq is Evolving What Fried Chicken Can Be
- Wikipedia: Caviar
- New York Times: U.S. Open Chicken Nuggets
- Google News: U.S. Open Coqodaq Chicken Nuggets
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
NEW YORK STAFF WRITER The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
